In a bout that completely defied the pre-fight predictions of an easy Mayweather victory, the American showed his class as the rounds progressed to earn the bragging rights at the T-Mobile Arena.

Many had predicted that UFC star McGregor would be out of his depth against one of boxing’s all-time pound-for-pound kings on his professional debut in the squared circle.

But the Irishman looked accustomed in the ring early in the contest and clearly had Mayweather confused with his unorthodox, wily style and there were signs that the mother of all upsets was on the cards.

However, as so often during his career, Mayweather’s boxing nous came to the fore and he found his range, pouncing on a tiring opponent to land a flurry of blows in the ninth and a similar pattern in the following stanza brought an end to the contest one minute and five seconds into the round.

Mayweather consequently protected his reputation and legacy to beat Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0, but McGregor can take heart from a performance that went against the predictions of boxing pundits around the world.